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Diagnostic Error Lawyers in Denver

Are You in Need of a Denver Diagnostic Error Attorney?

When you go to a doctor or hospital, you trust that medical professionals will accurately identify your condition so they can provide the appropriate treatment. But when they fail to do so, the consequences can be devastating. Every year, diagnostic errors cause delayed care, unnecessary treatment, permanent disability, and death.

If you or a loved one has suffered harm because of a delayed diagnosis, misdiagnosis, or failure to diagnose a serious condition, Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. is here to help. Our team of experienced Denver trial lawyers has been successfully representing clients in high-stakes medical malpractice cases for decades.

You may have a valid claim for diagnostic error if:

A healthcare provider misdiagnosed your condition, leading to improper or delayed treatment.
There was a failure to diagnose a serious illness.
A delay in diagnosis allowed a condition to worsen, resulting in avoidable harm.
Medical professionals failed to order appropriate tests, or misread test results.
A loved one passed away due to a preventable diagnostic mistake.

Why Choose Us Over Other Diagnostic Error Lawyers in Denver?

These cases often involve complex medical records, expert testimony, and detailed investigation to determine how a mistake occurred. Choosing a law firm with extensive experience in medical malpractice litigation can make a huge difference in the outcome of a claim.

Our Denver medical malpractice attorneys at Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. carefully analyze the evidence and work with respected medical professionals to understand what went wrong and how it affected our clients’ lives. Here’s why clients across Colorado trust us with their most difficult cases:

Over 45 years of experience handling complex medical negligence and catastrophic injury claims, with a long history of representing seriously injured patients.
Named among the Best Law Firms in America by U.S. News & World Report, recognizing excellence in medical malpractice litigation.
Partner Jim Leventhal selected to the exclusive Inner Circle of Advocates, which is only open to 100 top plaintiff attorneys in the U.S.
Jim Puga and another Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. attorney secured a $67.35 million medical malpractice verdict on behalf of a minor child who suffered permanent brain injury.
Record-setting verdicts, including the largest medical malpractice verdict in Colorado history, demonstrating the firm’s trial success.
AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell®, the highest rating for legal ability and ethics, based on peer review.
No charge for initial consultations, and no fees unless we win your case, so clients can pursue answers without upfront costs.

Did You Get the Wrong Treatment Due to Misdiagnosis?

Call Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. at (303) 759-9945 or toll-free at (877) 433-3906 for a free consultation today.

How a Colorado Diagnostic Error Lawyer Can Help

Diagnostic error cases are among the most complex types of medical malpractice claims. They may involve multiple providers, conflicting medical opinions, and powerful institutions eager to avoid responsibility. At Leventhal Puga Braley P.C., we are equipped to handle every aspect of your case. Our attorneys are prepared to:

Review your medical records and timeline of treatment.
Consult with independent medical experts to establish what should have happened.
Identify all responsible parties, including doctors, hospitals, clinics, and labs.
Calculate the full extent of your damages, including future medical care and loss of earning capacity.
File your claim and prepare it for trial, ensuring that you are in the strongest position to succeed.
Take you case to court if the other side refuses to make a serious settlement offer.

What Types of Damages Are Available in a Medical Malpractice Claim?

In a successful diagnostic error case, you may be entitled to compensation for:

Past and future medical expenses
Lost wages and diminished future earnings
Pain and suffering
Permanent disability or impairment
Loss of enjoyment of life
In-home assisted living care
Emotional distress

Who Can Be Liable for Diagnostic Errors?

Whether the mistake happened in a hospital, private practice, or during routine testing, we will identify every party that contributed to the harm you or your loved one suffered. Liable parties may include:

Primary care physicians
Specialists (oncologists, cardiologists, neurologists, etc.)
Emergency room staff
Radiologists
Laboratory technicians
Hospitals, clinics, and urgent care centers
Diagnostic imaging centers

You Deserve Answers and Accountability

Call (303) 759-9945 or toll-free at (877) 433-3906 to learn more today.

Diagnostic Errors and Medical Malpractice

A diagnostic error is a form of medical malpractice that occurs when a provider fails to identify or accurately assess a patient’s medical condition. These mistakes can be especially dangerous because they delay proper treatment, allow conditions to worsen, or result in inappropriate care that causes additional harm.

A successful medical malpractice claim must show that the provider failed to meet the standard of care, and that this failure is a cause of harm. Our attorneys and medical experts work together to do just that.

Types of Diagnostic Errors

There are several ways a diagnostic error can occur.

Delayed Diagnosis

A correct diagnosis is eventually made, but only after a significant and harmful delay. In conditions like cancer or stroke, even days can make a critical difference in outcomes.

Misdiagnosis

The patient is diagnosed with the wrong condition, leading to ineffective or even dangerous treatment. For example, a heart attack misdiagnosed as acid reflux can lead to death or permanent damage.

Failure to Diagnose

The provider fails to identify any condition at all, despite symptoms or test results that should have prompted further investigation.

Not Recognizing Complications

A doctor may diagnose the primary condition but fail to notice serious complications, such as internal bleeding, infection, or organ failure.

Failure to Order Medical Tests

In some cases, doctors simply do not order the appropriate diagnostic tests based on the patient's symptoms, delaying necessary treatment.

Misreading Test Results

Even when the right tests are ordered, mistakes made by radiologists, lab techs, and others can lead to the wrong diagnosis.

Filing a Wrongful Death Claim After a Diagnostic Error

When a diagnostic error leads to death, surviving family members may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim. These cases can provide compensation for:

Loss of financial support
Loss of companionship and emotional support
Funeral and burial expenses
Medical expenses incurred before death

Reasons to Contact a Lawyer Right Away

At Leventhal Puga Braley P.C., we start working from the moment you first meet with us. Waiting too long to act can damage your case.

Colorado has deadlines for medical malpractice claims.
Medical records and test results can be altered, lost, or destroyed if not preserved early.
Witnesses may become unavailable, and memories can fade.
Your attorney will want to begin investigating, filing, and building a strong claim as soon as possible.
Early legal action helps preserve critical evidence and expert testimony needed to support your case.
Acting quickly allows your legal team to review records and identify potential breaches of the standard of care.

Case Results

Kentucky Court Upholds $8.2 Million for Woman Who Suffered Brain Damage Due to Undiagnosed Aneurysm

Jim Leventhal, LPB Founding Partner, achieved a significant legal win in the Kentucky Supreme Court for Melanie Robbins. On August 18, 2021, the court decided not to review a previous ruling by the Kentucky Court of Appeals, which upheld a $4.13 million verdict plus interest in favor of Robbins against Dr. Dianna Perazzo. Robbins had sought emergency care at St Elizabeth Hospital with severe headache symptoms indicative of a brain bleed, but a critical CT scan was misinterpreted, and necessary follow-up was not performed, leading to her discharge. A week later, she suffered a brain hemorrhage, resulting in permanent paralysis. Robbins sued for negligence, receiving an original verdict of $8,268,621.67, with Dr. Perazzo deemed 50% at fault. After settling with Perazzo's co-defendant, Dr. Perazzo was the sole appellant, leaving Robbins with a final judgment of $6,820,532.85, including interest.

What Clients Are Saying About Us

I would recommend him to anyone! - Sarah Raisch (5-Star Google Review)

Brian Aleinikoff is diligent, responsive, and committed to thorough representation. He is an excellent attorney; I would recommend him to anyone!

Wonderful and thorough with all that they do- Jonathan Heller (5-Star Google Review)

Jim Leventhal and his team are wonderful and thorough with all that they do. They leave no stone unturned while taking the time to be considerate, compassionate, and thoughtful. They wield the sword within their field with excellence and with a demeanor that you not only appreciate but that you can rely on. Special thanks again to Jim, Julia, and the entire team.

Other Locations We Serve

Talk to a Denver Diagnostic Error Attorney

Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. is a nationally recognized medical malpractice law firm. We’ve taken on the toughest cases, and we and know how to win. Most importantly, we understand what’s at stake for you and your family.

Call (303) 759-9945 or toll-free at (877) 433-3906 to find out how we can help. There is no charge unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

Diagnostic Errors FAQs

What is a diagnostic error in medical malpractice?

A diagnostic error occurs when a healthcare provider fails to correctly identify a medical condition in a timely manner. This can include misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, or failing to recognize complications, often resulting in serious harm or death.

Do I have a case if my condition was diagnosed late?

If the delayed diagnosis led to worsened health outcomes that could have been avoided with timely care, you may have a valid medical malpractice claim. We can help evaluate whether your provider failed to meet the standard of care.

What are examples of common diagnostic errors?

Common diagnostic errors include failing to diagnose cancer, heart attacks, strokes, infections, and internal injuries, as well as misreading lab or imaging results and not ordering necessary tests.

What damages can I recover in a diagnostic error lawsuit?

You may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, long-term care, and—in fatal cases—wrongful death damages for surviving family members.

How do you prove a diagnostic error?

We work with independent medical experts to review your records, assess whether your provider met the accepted standard of care, and establish a direct link between the diagnostic mistake and your injury.

Can I sue if my test results were misread?

Yes. If a radiologist, lab technician, or physician misinterpreted your test results and that error caused harm or delayed treatment, you may have a valid malpractice claim.

Meet Our Diagnostic Error Medical Malpractice Attorneys

Jim Leventhal

Jim Leventhal is the founding partner of Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. and one of Colorado’s most respected medical malpractice and personal injury attorneys. Jim is a tireless advocate for individuals and families who have suffered life-changing harm due to medical negligence. His practice is built on a deep belief that every client deserves the highest level of representation and respect, and that accountability in the healthcare system leads to lasting change.

Jim’s results speak for themselves. He has secured record-setting verdicts and settlements in cases involving birth injury, surgical error, and hospital negligence. Jim is widely recognized by peers and legal organizations nationwide. Known for his meticulous preparation, powerful courtroom presence, and unwavering client commitment, Jim Leventhal has helped shape the field of medical malpractice law in Colorado and beyond.

Jim Puga

Jim Puga is a nationally recognized trial attorney and a partner at Leventhal Puga Braley P.C., where he focuses his practice on complex medical malpractice and catastrophic injury cases. Jim has built a reputation as a tenacious advocate for people harmed by preventable medical errors, particularly children and families affected by birth injuries and brain damage.

Known for his deep understanding of both medicine and the law, Jim has achieved multiple multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements on behalf of his clients. His work has changed lives and contributed to improved safety standards in hospitals and healthcare systems across the country.

Jim is a Fellow of the American Board of Trial Advocates, he serves on the Board of Directors of the AAJ Birth Trauma Litigation Group, and he is an AV-rated attorney by Martindale-Hubbell. Jim’s commitment to his clients is simple: to fight relentlessly, prepare thoroughly, and never lose sight of the human story behind every case.

Bruce Braley

Bruce Braley is a talented trial lawyer and partner at Leventhal Puga Braley P.C., with a distinguished career spanning both the courtroom and the halls of Congress. Bruce spent 23 years as a trial attorney in Iowa, where he built a reputation for standing up to powerful defendants in serious injury and wrongful death cases. He later served four terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Iowa’s 1st Congressional District, where he became a national leader on civil justice, healthcare safety, and consumer protection.

In 2015, Bruce returned to trial practice, joining Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. to continue his work advocating for those most in need. He is known for his ability to translate complex issues into compelling stories, whether before a jury or a congressional committee. His work includes high-impact litigation in medical malpractice, product liability, trucking accidents, and other catastrophic injury cases.

Julia Thompson

Julia Thompson is an attorney at Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. who focuses her practice on medical malpractice and personal injury litigation. With decades of experience representing individuals harmed by negligent medical care, she is known for her thorough preparation, strong courtroom skills, and commitment to helping injured patients and their families pursue accountability.

Throughout her career, Julia has been actively involved in Colorado’s legal community. She served on the Board of Directors of the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association from 2000 to 2025 and was Co-Chair of the organization’s Medical Malpractice Committee from 2013 to 2019. She also served on the Board of the Colorado Women’s Bar Association Foundation from 2009 to 2019 and spent more than eight years on the board of the Colorado Women’s Bar Association, including serving as Vice President.